Jarrett Jabs, 21, was killed in a riot at the Drumheller Institution on Nov. 13, 2001.

An Alberta judge looking into the death of a prisoner killed by rioting inmates said first-time federal convicts should be taught how to follow the informal "con code."

Jarrett Jabs, 21, was beaten, stabbed, and finally slashed through the jugular vein in his neck during a riot at the Drumheller Institution in southern Alberta in 2001.

He had locked himself in his cell, but inmates pried off a welded panel and tripped the locking system to open the door — a skill some learned from assisting prison electricians.

The report from a 2007 fatality inquiry into the death was released on Friday. Provincial court Judge Frank Maloney recommended that inmates new to a prison should get an orientation session to the informal rules that govern inmates.

Maloney noted that Jabs, a car thief who was serving time for breaching release conditions, was seen as "weak" and "somewhat naïve to the inmate codes and expectations."

Two days after arriving at the Drumheller prison, an inmate yelled and labelled Jabs "a rat" or an informant. The inquiry heard that because he didn't stand up for himself and fight the name-caller, Jabs set himself up to be bullied by the other prisoners.

Restrictions on protective custody

After receiving threats, Jabs expressed his concerns to his mother and also asked to be placed in protective custody. However, it was an informal request that was not put into writing.

Jabs's lifeless body was found dressed in several layers of clothing he put on in an attempt to protect himself.

The prison riot at the Drumheller Institution in 2001 left more than $1 million in damage. (CBC)

The inquiry heard that only the warden could grant voluntary protective custody, as part of a policy to discourage inmates, who were not really in danger, from abusing the request.

Maloney suggested regular reviews of protective custody procedures so that "reasonable and adequate alternatives are considered and available to effectively protect" an inmate's personal security.

The report criticized Correctional Services Canada for allowing a certain level of violence to "become predictable and almost acceptable within CSC," and pointed out that previously recommended changes to reduce assaults and deaths are often ignored.

Three inmates were convicted in Jabs's murder.

The riot caused more than $1 million in damage, as inmates started fires, broke water pipes and smashed furniture, computers and lights.

A fatality inquiry cannot find blame but can make recommendations to prevent similar deaths in the future.